Ducati 350GTV (1977 – 78)

Ducati 350GTV (1977 - 78)

The Ducati 350GTV, born from a unique twist of fate and a blend of innovative design and cost-cutting measures, emerged as a distinct model within the Italian manufacturer’s lineup. Its 2-valve per cylinder SOHC parallel-twin engine, mated to a five-speed transmission, may not have been the most powerful or reliable, but it offered a distinctive character.

The 350GTV’s engine design, resurrected from the 1965 500 model and updated by Bruno Tumidei, featured a chain-driven single overhead camshaft, replacing pushrods and rockers. The use of a forged crankshaft with plain big-end bearings was a notable innovation in production engines at the time.

Riding a 350GTV would be an immersive experience, as the engine’s unique character and modern design elements come together to create a distinct sound and feel on the road. With its 9.6:1 compression ratio and die-cast engine crankcases, this bike is not just a relic of the past but a testament to Ducati’s engineering prowess during that era.

Riding a 350GTV today would be an exercise in appreciating the nuances of vintage motorcycle design, where innovative thinking often walked hand-in-hand with cost-cutting measures.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Engine Capacity349.6 cc / 21.3 cu in
Max Power17.5 kw / 24 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity14 L / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal
Seat Height29.9 inches / 760 mm
Ducati 350GTV (1977 - 78)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 350GTV
Year1977 – 78

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Displacement349.6 cc / 21.3 cu in
Bore x Stroke71.8 x 43.2 mm
Compression Ratio9.6:1
Max Horsepower17.5 kw / 24 hp
Engine Management System2 x 26 mm Dell’OrtoVHB 26 FS/FD
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speedn/a

Transmission

ClutchWet, multi-plate
Gearbox5-Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.125:1
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.074 / 5th 0.900:1
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

Battery12V 18Ah Yuasa Y50-N18L-A1
StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension35 mm Paioli fork
Rear SuspensionDual Marzocchi shocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size3.25-18
Rear Tire Size3.50-18
Front Brakes2 x 256 mm Brembo discs
Rear BrakesSingle 257mm Brembo disc

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2050 mm / 80.7 in
Overall Width760 mm / 29.9 in
Overall Height1060 mm / 41.7 in
Seat Height29.9 inches / 760 mm
Wheelbase55.1 inches / 1400 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity14 L / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal
Dry Weight181 kg / 399 lbs

Features

  • Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder engine
  • SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) design
  • 2 valves per cylinder
  • 350 cc and 500 cc engine capacities
  • Five-speed transmission
  • Chain-driven single overhead camshaft
  • 180-degree crankshaft
  • Forged crankshaft with plain big-end bearings
  • Two plain main bearings without a centre bearing between cylinders
  • Shallow valve angle of 60 degrees
  • Die-cast engine crankcases split vertically
  • Electric starter motor in front of the engine
  • DellOrto carburetors (30mm on 500, 26mm on 350)
  • Battery, coil, and contact breaker ignition system
Ducati 350GTV (1977 - 78)
Ducati 350GTV (1977 - 78)
Ducati 350GTV (1977 - 78)

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